Flying with Pets on Air Berlin: What You Actually Need to Know

Here's what nobody tells you about flying with pets on Air Berlin: the airline no longer operates commercial flights. Air Berlin ceased operations in 2017. However, if you're researching historical policies or planning with a codeshare partner, this guide covers the industry-standard pet travel rules that apply across European carriers.

I learned the hard way with Mochi, my 6kg French Bulldog, that brachycephalic breeds face serious restrictions on most airlines. Before I booked our first flight, I didn't realize that snub-nosed dogs like Frenchies are often banned entirely from cargo and checked baggage—and sometimes even cabin travel. I wish someone had told me this upfront.

This guide walks you through what you need to know about pet travel on Air Berlin's historical policies and comparable European carriers, with real-world tips from someone who's been there.

Can You Fly with Pets on Air Berlin?

Air Berlin ceased operations in 2017, so you cannot currently book pet travel directly with them. However, if you're researching their historical policies or flying with a partner airline using Air Berlin codeshare bookings, the rules below reflect industry standards for European carriers.

For current pet travel, contact your actual operating airline directly. Most European carriers follow similar rules to what Air Berlin enforced.

Cabin Travel: The Good News (With a Big Catch)

Cats and small dogs were allowed in the cabin on Air Berlin, and here's the kicker: there was no cabin pet fee. That's right—zero euros for bringing your pet into the cabin with you. I wish every airline did this.

But before you celebrate, there's a massive catch: brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are restricted. If you have a French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, or similar breed, you likely cannot fly in the cabin. This is an industry-wide safety standard due to respiratory risks during flight.

The restricted breeds list includes:

  • French Bulldog (yes, Mochi is banned—I learned this the hard way)
  • Pug (all breeds)
  • Bulldog (all breeds, including English and American)
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Shih Tzu
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chow
  • Japanese Chin
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Shar Pei
  • Mastiff (all breeds)
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canario
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Bully (all breeds)
  • Bull Terrier (all breeds)
  • Brussels Griffon
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Affenpinscher
  • Tibetan Spaniel

Always confirm your breed directly with the airline—some carriers allow additional breeds or have specific exceptions.

Cabin Carrier Requirements: Size & Specs Matter

If your pet qualifies for cabin travel, your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

  • Maximum length: 45.7 cm (18 inches)
  • Maximum width: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Maximum height: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg maximum

This is tight. Mochi weighs 6kg, so his carrier can only weigh 2kg. I learned to measure twice and buy once—soft-sided carriers are preferred because they compress slightly and fit more easily under seats.

Soft-sided carriers are required for cabin travel. Hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat and won't be accepted.

Your carrier must have:

  • Adequate ventilation (mesh sides are standard)
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents

Cargo & Checked Baggage: Different Rules, Harder Restrictions

If your pet doesn't qualify for cabin travel—like Mochi—cargo or checked baggage might be an option. But here's what I wish I'd known: brachycephalic breeds are banned from cargo entirely. This is a hard no across virtually all airlines.

For non-brachycephalic pets traveling in cargo or checked baggage:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate required (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA regulations
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside the crate
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks (vs. 8 weeks for cabin)

Temperature embargoes apply: Airlines refuse pets when tarmac temperatures exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below -6.7°C (20°F). If your vet provides an acclimation certificate, you may be able to travel in colder conditions, but heat embargoes are strict.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable

Here's what nobody tells you until you're at the airport: you need a vet-issued health certificate. Even if Air Berlin's website didn't explicitly state this, it will be checked at the gate. Don't risk being denied boarding.

Certificate validity: 10 days from issue date. Get it as close to your departure date as possible—some destinations require 7 days, so don't cut it close.

Your vet must confirm:

  • Your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Vaccinations are current (especially rabies)
  • No signs of illness or injury

For international travel, check destination country requirements—some require import permits or additional documentation.

Pre-Booking: You Cannot Show Up with a Pet

Pets must be pre-booked before travel. You cannot arrive at the airport with a pet and expect to fly. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and slots fill up quickly.

Book your pet as soon as you book your flight. Most airlines allow maximum 1 pet carrier per passenger in the cabin (though some allow 2 small pets in one carrier).

Sedation: Don't Even Think About It

IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation of pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to virtually all commercial airlines worldwide.

I considered sedating Mochi for his first flight. I'm glad I didn't—it's dangerous and will get you denied boarding. Your vet won't approve it, and the airline won't allow it.

Pregnant & Animals in Heat: Not Allowed

Most airlines do not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Animals in heat may also face restrictions—check with your carrier.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: €0 (free)
  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45.7 × 27.9 × 27.9 cm
  • Cabin max weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
  • Minimum age for cabin: 8 weeks
  • Minimum age for cargo: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do: Actionable Checklist

  • Confirm your airline: Air Berlin no longer operates. Book with your actual carrier and verify their pet policy.
  • Check breed restrictions: If you have a brachycephalic breed, confirm whether cabin, cargo, or checked baggage is allowed (or if travel is possible at all).
  • Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before departure. Don't wait until the last minute.
  • Measure your carrier: Ensure it fits the airline's dimensions. Soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo.
  • Pre-book your pet: Contact the airline immediately after booking your flight. Pet slots are limited.
  • Prepare absorbent liners: Stock your carrier with absorbent mats or pads.
  • Check temperature forecasts: Verify tarmac temperatures at origin and destination. If it's above 85°F or below 20°F, your pet may be refused.
  • Acclimate your pet: If flying in cargo, get your pet used to the carrier weeks in advance.
  • Avoid sedation: Do not sedate your pet. It's prohibited and dangerous.
  • Verify destination requirements: Some countries require import permits or additional health documentation.

Still Have Questions?

Since Air Berlin no longer operates, contact your actual operating airline directly. Most European carriers follow similar rules, but policies vary. Ask specifically about:

  • Your pet's breed restrictions
  • Cabin vs. cargo availability
  • Exact carrier dimensions and weight limits
  • Health certificate requirements for your destination
  • Temperature embargoes on your specific route

For comprehensive guidance on flying with brachycephalic breeds, see our brachycephalic breed flying guide. For a complete documents checklist, visit our pet travel documents guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you have everything in place before your flight.

Data auto-verified from official airline sources. Last updated: 2024. Air Berlin ceased operations in 2017; this guide reflects historical policies and industry standards for European carriers.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 22, 2026